Location: Peoria
Top Things to do in Peoria
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10 Things to Do in Peoria That You Shouldn't Miss
There is nothing average about the average American town of Peoria, where the diverse population and Midwestern vibe has long had entertainment promoters asking, "Will it play in Peoria?" If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, or so the logic goes. Its scenic skyline, energetic nightlife, lively performing arts scene and miles of mountain bike trails will have you wondering why you would want to make it anywhere else. Will you play in Peoria? Yes, you will!
Restaurants in Peoria
1. Grand View Drive
Overall Ratings
5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By SFCRambo - Peoria, Illinois
We drove around the whole area to look at the nave's and see the people with their mad look like I am an invader and not be there but the drive along the overlook areas were breath taking. Also taking in the different colors the trees were changing to.
2. Splashdown Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By WARSAWRUN - Peoria, Illinois
This is a faculty with all water park basics. A clean, comfortable, and well laid-out environment. There is a water slide, a well executed "treehouse" for climbing children with spilling water features, a pleasant lazy river, lap pool, wading pool, toddler area, and concession stand with a good snack selection.
Even though we attended on one of the last days of the season, we found seating for our group of 8, waits and crowds were modest, and the facility was clean and well-maintained.
Staffing was good with plenty of fixed position and roaming life guards, reception, and concession staff. Locker rooms were clean with plenty if coin operated, large ($0.25) lockers. Parking is abundant.
The facility could be enhanced with one or two more water slides for variety, but, overall, a good place for 2-4 hours if family fun.
3. Dozer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Dan R - Peoria
Dozer Park is a great place to watch a baseball game. The Chiefs are affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, so there are usually lots of Cards fans. Lots of stuff going on all the time, inter-inning games and contests are always fun. Depending on the seats you select, kids can get very close to the players and players will often give kids a ball as they warm up. Concessions are fairly moderate in price and the selection is also quite good. It's not unusual to see a Major League player doing a rehab stint with the team, as we're only 175 miles from St. Louis. Outfield seating on your own blankets is great for kids, as they can get up and run around without bothering anyone. My only real concern is that the area down the baselines are not protected by netting, and there can be some pretty sharply hit foul balls come whistling right at you... it's important to pay attention. But, all in all, it's a fun place to see a game; good baseball and much more reasonably priced than the major league parks.
4. ROC Ice Cream and Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By LAAEastPeoria_IL - East Peoria,IL
This is a really nice mini golf course. The added bonus of an ice cream shop is really nice. The course is great for kids and adults. The staff is great and very family oriented. The ice cream flavors are awesome and the choices abundant.
5. Caterpillar Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today.
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois
PROS:clean, close to downtown and the river, tractors.
CONS: $7 fee for an hour's entertainment may be steep, could be boring for some people, only 3 tractors you can sit in, the 10 min movie you see in the beginning is basically an advertisement - would have been better if it started with the history of Best tractors and how it became Caterpillar, instead it promotes their current line up only.
Save your money, if you're into tractors , visit the John Deere museum which is free, its bigger, you can sit on more tractors, it;s better in every way. You may better off checking out Peoria's historic churches. They are all pretty impressive.
6. Par-A-Dice Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 239 reviews
Lively riverboat casino with four decks of gaming including slots, video keno and a variety of table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean Stud Poker and Let It Ride.
Reviewed By BiggsTheGoalie - WI
The staff was very nice and friendly, but that's about it. Slots are tight, and it's quite small. Played for maybe 30 mins, lost a lot, and was bored pretty quickly. There's nothing else to do on the boat. No complimentary drinks (not even soda). It was pretty dead, even for a Thursday late morning.
7. Peoria Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 347 reviews
The Peoria Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. From giraffes and rhinoceros to spider monkeys and sea lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. The Peoria Zoo is open year round. Our Education Department offers programs for ages 2 and up. These include Home School classes, Zoo Tots, Jungle Jamboree, summer Zoo Camp and Zoo Teens volunteer program. During summer months we offer Giraffe Feeding in Africa and Budgie Feeding in the Aussie Walk About. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, scheduled Keeper Chats take place every day. Our two biggest events are the Easter Egg Hunt and Howl-Zoo-Ween. We offer a variety of birthday parties and Zoo Snoozes. Our Zambezi River Lodge is available for corporate events, wedding receptions, and special celebrations.
Reviewed By DMSR9999 - Saint Paul, Minnesota
What an awesome experience, our child had her 6th birthday party at the zoo. They have a special event room connected to the giraffe living quarters with large pains of glass for easy view of the giraffe .... very cool. They also brought in several other types of small animals for the kids to pet. All-in-all just a wonderful experience at the Peoria Zoo.
8. Peoria Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 219 reviews
The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG-managed facility in Peoria, IL. We are home to Bradley Braves Men's Basketball, concerts, comedians, conventions, Broadway productions, family shows and more! The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG managed facility in Peoria, IL. The PCC houses an Arena, Theater, Ballroom, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and flexible meeting space and is home to Bradley University Braves men's basketball, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and Peoria Ballet. The PCC is your place to be for live entertainment! The PCC hosts concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, family shows, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, private parties and more!
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois
PROS:was here for the ILMEA performances and Scholastic Bowl competitions, huge building, cheaper all day parking ($7), close to most everything downtown, walking distance to the river. seats in the arena are all good
CONS: bathrooms can be dirty at the end of the day, fewer stalls means more waiting .
9. Peoria Riverfront Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Peoria Riverfront Museum features international exhibitions, the Dome Planetarium, RealD Giant Screen Theater, art & natural history collections, and interactive galleries - including IHSA Peak Performance, Illinois River Experience, Discovery Worlds & The Street local history. We offer unique classes, programs and community outreach efforts that provide fun, hands-on educational experiences for all ages. The Museum is the perfect, riverfront location for one-of-a-kind event rentals - unique weddings in the sculpture garden, corporate team building activities, relaxing meeting spots, special celebrations, giant screen video game competitions and even dinners under the stars. Peoria Riverfront Museum is a privately funded AAM-accredited nonprofit museum. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all - connecting art, history, science and achievement through collections, exhibitions, and programs.
Reviewed By monicacN2080AI - South Bend, Indiana
I have been multiple times and every time, I have had a wonderful experience. The exhibits are well done. Movies of the giant screen are unbelievable. The staff is so very helpful.
10. Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity.
Reviewed By Andy H
This playoffs is really geared for younger kids between the age of them maybe 3 to 10 but it's a good time last to do many things to keep me occupied for hours and it's located right near the zoo and other things so it's not a bad place to do other things.
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